Food is a topic that concerns us all. Each of us has something to say about it, an opinion to express. Then there are the experts, but there are also the fanatics. All this talk about it often creates heated discussions and divisions, when instead food should be a moment of sharing and pleasure. In this context, the Week of Taste seeks to bring attention to a fundamental theme: food as a right and as a common heritage, celebrated throughout the country with events that involve different communities.
An inclusive event that celebrates food as a collective heritage
The Week of Taste, now in its 24th edition, has a clear goal: to make September the month of food for all. With thousands of events organized throughout Switzerland, the event aims to restore dignity to everyday cooking, far from industrial logic, and reaffirm everyone's right to a healthy and balanced diet. Cooking thus becomes an artisanal act, a way to create and take care of others, an act of love and dream. This approach highlights an increasingly crucial theme: the right to food as part of human rights.
In a country where almost 800.000 people live in poverty, and 500.000 are just above the poverty line, the issue of equal access to food is of primary importance. The food issue cannot be ignored, especially when for many families food becomes an expense item on which to save. It is easy to recommend eating five portions of fruit and vegetables a day, but a concrete gesture could be the exemption from VAT on these products, thus making them more accessible.
The importance of defending food as a common good
At European level, reflections on consumer rights and food equality are growing. The idea of considering food as a common good to be protected is spreading, in solidarity with local producers, to create a mutual support network that can guarantee everyone access to quality food.
The Settimana del Gusto is not only a celebration, but also an opportunity to reflect on our relationship with food. Every year, a committee composed of artisans, journalists, restaurateurs and lovers of good food meets to evaluate the events proposed during the event. In addition to the traditional “Fiori del Gusto”, this year new distinctions related to sustainability are introduced, rewarding events that pay particular attention to themes such as social inclusion, environment and fair trade.
Among the most interesting initiatives in the Canton of Ticino, the “Menu Gastronomico Reno 1332” of the Tremola San Gottardo restaurant and the agricultural market organized by “Teste di rapa” at the Biobistrot “Afiordigusto” stand out. These events stand out for their commitment to promote local and sustainable products.
Protagonists of taste: Gian-Battista and Johann-Baptista von Tscharner
Each edition of the Week of Taste has its ambassadors, and this year the title of “Godfathers of Taste” was awarded to two leading figures in the Swiss wine scene: Gian-Battista and Johann-Baptista von Tscharner. The two winemakers, who operate at Reichenau Castle, are not only known for their quality of their wines, among which Pinot Noir stands out, but also for their commitment to promoting sustainable agricultural practices.
Reichenau Castle, located at the point where the Anterior and Posterior Rhine meet, represents a historical and symbolic crossroads between the past and the future. The ancient trade route that connected Chur to Tirano has now become a road of taste, combining winemaking tradition with modernity, in a perfect synergy between territory and product.
Valposchiavo: Region of Taste 2024
Another protagonist of this edition is Valposchiavo, designated Region of Taste 2024. Located in an area that has always focused on the promotion of local products, Valposchiavo has been able to create a sustainable food supply chain thanks to the “100% Valposchiavo” project. This initiative, involving farmers, processors and restaurateurs, convinced the Fondazione del Gusto to choose Valposchiavo as a virtuous example of food system management.
The week of taste in Ticino
The Canton of Ticino is also actively participating in the Settimana del Gusto, with events spread across the entire territory. Particularly interesting is the initiative in nursery schools, where balanced menus based on local products will be offered, thanks to the collaboration between Fourchette verte and the Centro di Competenze agroalimentari Ticino. This year, the focus is on cereals, an ingredient that is a symbol of simple and genuine cuisine, but also versatile and rich in history.
